Additional Coverage:
- Meet Ilia Malinin, the highest-paid 2026 Olympic figure skater nicknamed the ‘Quad God’ for his gravity-defying routines (businessinsider.com)
Fairfax Native Ilia Malinin: The “Quad God” Taking the Milan Cortina Olympics by Storm
Milan, Italy – If you’ve been watching the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, you’ve undoubtedly seen Ilia Malinin. The 21-year-old figure skating sensation from Fairfax, Virginia, is not only one of Team USA’s breakout stars, but he’s also known by a legendary moniker: the “Quad God.”
Malinin has been making waves with his gravity-defying quadruple jumps and even some thrilling backflips. Here’s a closer look at the athlete who’s capturing the world’s attention.
A Family Legacy on Ice
Figure skating runs deep in the Malinin family. Ilia’s parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, both represented Uzbekistan in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, they continue their involvement in the sport as Ilia’s coaches, guiding him through his remarkable career.
Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Ilia began his own journey on the ice at the age of seven. His younger sister, Ellie “Liza” Beatrice Malinina, also follows in the family footsteps as a competitive figure skater. When he’s not training in Reston, Virginia, Malinin is pursuing an exploratory studies major at nearby George Mason University.
Why “Quad God”? The Axel That Made History
The nickname “Quad God” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a testament to Malinin’s unprecedented achievements. He is the first and only skater in history to successfully land a quadruple axel in competition. This incredible feat, which he first accomplished at age 13, solidified his place in figure skating lore.
Malinin recently played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal for Team USA in the team figure skating competition, dazzling judges and fans alike with five quadruple jumps in his free skate. While he had initially planned a quadruple axel for the Team Event, he opted for a triple axel instead.
Backflips: From Banned to Brilliant
Malinin’s routines also feature another eye-catching move: the backflip. This maneuver has a storied and often controversial history in figure skating. American skater Terry Kubicka first performed a backflip at the 1976 Olympics, but the International Skating Union (ISU) swiftly banned it in 1977, citing safety concerns.
Decades later, at the 1998 Olympics, French skater Surya Bonaly defied the rules by landing a backflip on one blade, incurring a penalty from the judges. However, the tide turned in 2024 when the ISU lifted the ban on backflips. This year, during the Team Event, Malinin executed a backflip on one skate, echoing Bonaly’s daring move, but this time, it was met with cheers and approval.
A Skating Superstar’s Earning Power
Beyond his athletic prowess, Malinin is also making headlines for his financial success. Forbes reports that he is believed to be the highest-paid figure skater at the 2026 Olympics, with an estimated income of $700,000 from sponsorships over the past year. His impressive roster of corporate partners includes major names like Coca-Cola, Samsung, Google, Xfinity, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Honda.
What’s Next for the “Quad God”?
With a team gold already under his belt, Malinin is set to continue his Olympic journey. Fans can catch him in the individual Men’s Short Program on February 10 and the individual Men’s Free Skate on February 13. All eyes will be on the “Quad God” as he aims for even more Olympic glory.